For background on Orthodox Christianity in China, see here.
For previous ChristianPersecution.com coverage of the persecution of Christians in China, see here.
“Authorities Resume Investigation of Linfen Covenant House Church,” by Yu Bing, China Aid, February 7, 2023:
(Linfen, Shanxi province—February 7, 2023) Chinese authorities decided to continue their so-called investigation concerning Linfen Covenant House Church. According to a prayer request from the church, this will cause the police to continue their persecution of church members.
FALSE CHARGES AND TESTIMONIES
During an outdoor family camp in August 2022, police arrested preachers of Linfen Covenant House Church—Li Jie and Han Xiaodong. Both of them were initially placed in residential surveillance at a designated location (RSDL) as authorities interrogated many believers of the church. Some coerced false confessions led to the arrest of Wang Qiang, a co-worker of the church. All three men were charged with “fraud,” and all false testimonies claimed that Li, Han, and Wang “defrauded” congregants through tithings and offerings.HISTORY OF SUFFERING PERSECUTION
Linfen Covenant House Church is the sister church of Zion Reformed Church in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. Like others of its kind in China, Linfen Covenant House Church faces ongoing persecution for not joining the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TPSM). In the Fall of 2018, Li Jie signed Pastor Wang Yi’s “Joint Statement by Pastors: A Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith” along with over 400 Chinese pastors and leaders. Police questioned Preacher Li Jie multiple times and threatened to send his church’s children to public school. Officers pressured Li by shutting off his power, water, and electricity. They went as far as evicting him and his family during the coldest day of winter.WIFE OF WANG QIANG
Wen Huijuan, Wang Qiang’s wife, was eight months pregnant on December 18, 2022. Her first pregnancy had some complications, indicating she may have difficulties with her second baby. In a social media post, Wen described how much she needed her imprisoned husband. She publicly questioned why her kind, honest husband was accused of “fraud” for giving tithes and offering to the church.On the afternoon of January 24, 2023, Wen Huijuan gave birth to a boy through c-section delivery….
